Enalapril Maleate is an orally active ACE inhibitor. It lowers peripheral vascular resistance without causing an increase in the heart rate. It is an ideal drug for hypersensitive patients who are intolerant to beta-blockers. The drug is used for treating high blood pressure or hypertension in adults and children. It is considered useful in treatment of congestive heart failure.

Working
The drug acts by relaxing blood vessels and causing them to widen. This lowers the blood pressure, thereby avoiding strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems. The drug is also used with other drugs (e.g.diuretics, digoxin) for treating congestive heart failure. Enalapril maleate can be orally administered and is available in the doses of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets.

Dosage
Essential and renovascular hypertension: Initially 5 mg once a day, if with diuretic then 2.5mg. Maintenance dose 10-20 mg once daily. Max: 40 mg once daily
Congestive Heart Failure: Initially 2-5 mg gradually increased to maintenance dose of 10-20 mg once or in divided doses.

Contra-Indications: Hypersensitivity, pregnancy, nursing women, aortic stenosis or outflow obstruction.

Side Effects
The drug has certain side effects, that can affect individuals in different ways. The following are some of the side effects, that are often associated with the drug:

• Dry cough
• Precipitant hypotension
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Muscle cramps

Brands